Pundit says Liverpool were always going to crack: Reds could finish sixth because of this

Liverpool enjoyed an impressive start to the season and looked to be in with a shout of lifting their first Premier League trophy come May.

But Jurgen Klopp's side have struggled since the turn of the year and now sit a daunting 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

And Burley believes the Reds now face a fight to secure a top four spot, putting their failings down to a substandard defence.

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Craig Burley says Liverpool were never going to win the title

“I never thought they [Liverpool] were going to win the title, because of that back four," said the former Chelsea and Scotland midfielder, speaking to ESPN FC.

“With all respect, James Milner’s done a great job in there.

"But when you put him on a defensive tightrope along with centre-halves that aren’t particularly good, and you’ve Joel Matip who’s out, and a goalkeeping situation that’s been changing because of form… that was always going to crack.

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Liverpool are 10 points behind Chelsea

“I never thought Liverpool were going to win the title because of that back four”

Craig Burley

“We saw them crack at Bournemouth when they were winning and then capitulated.

"We’ve seen it again [against Swansea]. Ten points behind for Liverpool – their big fight now is the top four.

“Can you imagine with all the momentum, if Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool finish sixth?”